What is rubbing alcohol used for?

Ever heard of rubbing alcohol? Of course, you have! It’s that magical potion that can be found in almost every first-aid box. But what is rubbing alcohol used for other than cleaning a wound or prepping your skin before getting a shot? In this article, we will walk you through the amazing uses and benefits of rubbing alcohol. Spoiler alert: it’s not just for sanitizing surfaces!

First off…What Exactly is Rubbing Alcohol?

Before diving into its uses, let’s understand what rubbing alcohol really means. The term “rubbing alcohol” generally refers to either ethanol or isopropyl alcohol – two types of clear liquids typically made from grain or corn starch fermented with yeast.

Isopropyl alcohol has a higher concentration than ethyl which makes it more effective at killing germs making it popularly used as disinfectant widely across households.

Disinfect Surfaces

Rubbing Alcohol is an excellent disinfectant since its high percentage of concentrated ethanol (or Isopropyl) destroys bacteria leaving surfaces clean and germ-free. Mix equal parts water and 70% strength Isopropyl Alcohol in a spray bottle, shake well and spritz on kitchen countertops, toilet bowls and doorknobs to keep them hygienic1.

N.B Do not use Rubbing Alcohol on painted/wooden surfaces as they corrode finishes easily.

Are you one who constantly forgets cleaning their cellphones’ screen – A petri-dish of all kinds of dirt & grime build-up ? Just moisten cloth wad in some 70% Isopropyl solution  and gently wipe over the surface for easy decontamination 2.

Personal Care

Rubbing alcohol may have antiseptic properties but when applied topically undiluted opens up skin pores striping out moisture making it dry and vulnerable.  However, in diluted forms the powerful antimicrobial agent of Isopropyl or Ethanol Alcohol can be useful for several personal care-related issues [^11].

Acne Fighter

Acne is a universal problem where blocked pores can lead to bacterial invasion and pimples. Dabbing few drops of rubbing alcohol on your skin a couple of times daily cleanses clogged pores by cutting down the oil production3. The mild drying effect unclogs follicles, clears blackheads leading to faster healing.

Deodorant

Showered late & couldn’t apply deodorant? No prob! You don’t have any at home? Rub in some undiluted alcohol onto armpits/clean-shaven scalp with cotton wool, wait till it dries off before putting on your clothes/starbucks barista hat(non-surgical). With its antiseptic properties, it kills bacteria causing odor keeping you smelling fresh (& not weird) all day long5!

Image Courtesy – http://bit.ly/2W50QvC

N.B For sensitive skin types, try diluting 70% Isopropyl alcohol with rose water (which has natural anti-bacterial properties) for non-toxic odour fighting formulation).

Cleaning Electronics

In this digital age who doesn’t love their gadgets? Keeping them virus-free during flu season or regular sanitizing is essential. But which disinfecting agent do we use that will neither corrode nor damage expensive devices?

Rubbing Alcohol is safe enough for cleaning electronics since it quickly evaporates without leaving any residue behind securing electronic gizmos free from oily fingerprints /germs making working easy-peasy-limon-mac-n-cheesy😉[7].

For best results: Use distilled water as rinsing aid followed by wiping surface area using cotton swabs slightly moistened in a mixture held in two-parts Isopropyl Alcohol and one proportions of purified water6.

Laundry

Have kids? Do they occasionally exchange flu/viral infections with their classmates or teammates on Sports day(s)? To decrease the spread of infection, disinfesting articles of clothing by adding some drops of 70% Rubbing Alcohol to laundry is highly advised 4. Fight bacteria, fungus & mold spores while keeping fabrics fresh and hygienic – All hail rubbing alcohol👍!!

N.B Always check the labels for instructions to ensure no damage occurs to clothing/fabrics.

Stain Remover

Stubborn grime build-up over time can lead to unsightly stains on our household items. The usual suspects are ink spots especially common in whiteboard writing users such as students or office-goers.

Good news! Rubbing alcohol applied directly onto a cotton swab works best on dried pen ink residues making cleaning a breeze.[^9]

Furthermore, if this sticky spot has struck your beloved clothes, mix equal proportions of Water and Isopropyl/ Ethanol Alcohol together using cotton ball to dab out any stain spoiling your beautiful fabric fitting [^10].

Why spend big bucks (unless you have too much money stashed somewhere cheap) on branded cleaning products when your multipurpose tool could serve umpteen uses at low rates?

In conclusion:
Rubbing Alcohol – A Wonderland multipurpose solution used everywhere for solving mammoth problems quickly yet inexpensively ranging from trivial scrapes/burns treating skin prickly heat/stings , diy beauty hacks; electronics screen sanitisation and decontaminating, helping clean separate infection-causing articles from clean ones in laundry bucket till ink-stained shirts removal.

So go ahead put it all around! But please don’t tell anyone we gave you permission- whose knows what kind off crazy multi-purpose shortcuts everyone might jump onto . 😂

[^9] : http://yourhousecleaningtips.blogspot.in/2014_07_01_archive.html

[^10] : https:///homesteadycom.info:-wash-out-a-stain-using-strong-details4436758html


  1. https://www.healthline.com/health/cleaning-with-alcohol#is-isopropyl-alcohol 

  2. https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/tips/a31900/homemade-cell-phone-cleaner/ 

  3. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/rubbing-alcohol-for-acne 

  4. https://au.koala.eco/blogs/news/top-7-benefits-of-cleaning-with-rubbing-alcohol-you-never-knew-about#:~:text=Add%20rubbing%20alcohol%20to%20your,washcloths%2C%20towels)%3A 

  5. https://manofmany-com.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/manofmany.com/lifestyle/grooming/do-i-really-need-deodorant-or-can-i-use-rubbing-alchohol/amp/?usqp=mq331AQFKAGwASA=#aoh=16049538205640&amp_ct=1604953830666&referrer=https:%2F%2Fwww.google.com&amp_tf=A partir de Procurar
    [^7] : https://blog.hhsolutions.ie/index.php/2019/11/how-to-disinfect-your-smartphone-tablets-laptops-and-tech-gadgets/#:~:text=Cloth-,Rubbing Alcohol,percent ammonia solution in water. 

  6. http:///news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/fr/-/1hir8643670.html 

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